CDSS Adoption Regional Offices - Oakland

Counties served by the Oakland Regional Office

Independent Adoption Program

In an Independent adoption, it is the birth parent's decision and/responsibility to select the adoptive parent(s) and to place the child directly with the adoptive family. The primary function of the Oakland Regional Office is to investigate Independent adoptions for the counties listed above and then file a report with the courts. Another function of this office includes investigating set-aside adoption petitions in the same counties.

In the Independent Adoption Program if you are adopting an unrelated minor you must obtain the services of an Adoption Service Provider (ASP.) To obtain a copy of certified ASP list click here " Registry of California Adoption Services Providers ". If you are unrelated to the minor but have had guardianship for at least one year, you will not need the services of an ASP.

If you have questions regarding the Independent Adoption Program, please telephone our office at (510) 622-2650.

Children Available for Adoption

To obtain information regarding children, who are available for adoption in the Agency Adoption Program, please visit www.cakidsconnection.org.

Information about ICPC forms and procedures for Agency adoptions is available at licensed public or private adoption agencies. Information regarding ICPC for Independent adoptions is available at CDSS adoptions regional and field offices. Residents of Alameda, Los Angeles or San Diego Counties should contact the licensed public adoption agencies in their county of residence.

Inter-Country Adoptions

You can adopt a child from another country through California's Intercountry Adoption Program. To obtain information about the program requirements, contact a private adoption agency licensed to provide these services in the county where you reside. To obtain a copy of licensed adoption agencies click here: " Directory of California Adoption Agencies " or call 1(800) KIDS-4-US.

For further details on Intercountry adoptions, view the website www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis or contact the Immigration and Naturalization Service National Customer Service Center at 1 (800) 375-5283.